The winners of the fifth Design Innovation Award were unveiled yesterday evening, Friday 20th September, in the stunning setting of the historic Palazzo della Borsa, located at the heart of Genoa’s Liberty style city centre.
First established in 2020 by the Italian Marine Industry Association – Confindustria Nautica and the company I Saloni Nautici, this prestigious award celebrates excellence in research, innovation, and sustainability across the yachting world. Having quickly become an essential international event, the Award promotes the image of Genoa International Boat Show’s many exhibitors with their latest products, acknowledging designs that express emerging trends and new design frontiers.
The award ceremony, moderated by architect and journalist Silvia Botti, kicked off with an opening address by Genoa Mayor Marco Bucci and Chamber of Commerce Board Member Paolo Corsilia. The microphone was then passed to Saverio Cecchi, President of the Italian Marine Industry Association, and Andrea Razeto, President of I Saloni Nautici, who then opened the award ceremony proper.
Maria Porro, President of Milan’s Design and Furniture Show, the Salone del Mobile.Milano, and a leading figure on the international design scene, then took the stage.
This is the second time in a row that Maria Porro has chaired the jury composed of national and international experts from across various sectors. A presence that strengthens an already increasingly close relationship between the world of yachting and furniture design.
The independent jury was called upon to assess close to 100 applications this year, an important number that exceeded expectations and demonstrates the dynamic evolution of such an increasingly innovative sector.
“Chairing the jury of the Design Innovation Award for the second time running is an honour,” stated Maria Porro, “It is not just the word ‘Salone’ that connects our two worlds, there are a great deal of points we have in common. But at the same time there are also many differences and specific needs that define the two fields, those of furniture design and yacht design.
And it is within these differences that we can grow together. This is why this friendship, between the Salone del Mobile and Salone here in Genoa, is so important. I want to thank all the organisers and the President for this special occasion, and to remind you that the words already mentioned by the speakers before me – quality, research, design, being selective, innovation – are the common goals of two industries that can work very well together, so I am very happy and honoured to be here today. I also want to thank all the members of the jury: they are the ones who actually had to walk all those miles to see all the nominees.”
The jury was composed of: Andrea Ratti – Executive Director MSc. Yacht Design Politecnico di Milano, Andrana Monk, founder of Monk Design, Carlo Cameli, President of the Italian Yacht Club, Franco Michienzi – Editor-in-chief of Barche, Nabil Farhat – Director The World of Yacht, Robin Edman – Designer and former President of the Bureau of European Design Associations and Luisa Bocchietto – Architect, designer and Member of the DIA Steering Committee.
Ten categories were awarded – along with two Special Prizes dedicated to Outstanding Innovation and Career –assigned to designs that were deemed particularly distinctive for their originality, sustainability and social impact.
THE WINNERS:
SAILING AND MOTOR BOATS UP TO 10m LH
Frauscher 1017GT 2nd Edition by Frauscher Italia
Motivation: Beautifully executed, design refinement, functional aesthetics and balanced proportions.
SAILING BOATS – UP TO 14m
Dufour 44 by Dufour Yachts
Motivation: A bold design statement with a refreshing spacious interior achieved by rebalancing proportions.
SAILING BOATS – OVER 14m
Y8 by YYachts GMBH
Motivation: Sleek elegance inside and out with exquisite attention to detail.
MOTORBOATS – UP TO 14m
Saxdor 340 GTWA by Saxdor Yachts
Motivation: Compact walk-around with lots of functionality and natural light.
MOTORBOATS – OVER 14m
Seadeck 7 by Azimut
Motivation: An electric hybrid yacht embracing sustainable solutions in a new collaborative vision.
HONORABLE MENTION
Swan Arrow by Nautor Swan Srl
An elegant mega tender expanding into a generous terrace with a rich interior.
SUPERYACHTS – OVER 24m
SP92 by Sanlorenzo
Motivation: Another stunning exterior with a grandiose spacious interior.
RIBs
Scanner Envy 1500 by Seascan Marine Srl
Motivation: An unconventional rib disguising a spacious cabin.
MULTIHULLS
LAGOON 60 by Lagoon
Motivation: A very purposeful cat with a fluid layout exuding calm and confidence.
BOATING EQUIPMENT AND COMPONENTS
Mercury Avator 75 & 110 by Mercury Marine
Motivation: An elegant product design indicating the future vision for propulsion.
HONORABLE MENTION
Ride by Seakeeper
Motivation: Optimal ride adjustment thanks to a revolutionary software and sensor driven stabilisation system.
ONBOARD ELECTRONICS AND SOFTWARE
Alpha Performance by Raymarine Italy
Motivation: Extremely user-friendly graphic display in a sleek envelope.
SPECIAL PRIZE FOR OUTSTANDING INNOVATION
MPX Impact by Musto
Motivation: A unique and ground-breaking design which looks beyond conventional solutions. Applying innovative materials and methods for impact protection in extreme sailing conditions.
SPECIAL PRIZE FOR OUTSTANDING CAREER
Solaris Yachts
The Steering Committee of the Design Innovation Award has decided to assign the Award for Out- standing Career, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the yard, for the continuous commitment in de- sign and innovation.
At the end of the award ceremony, guests were accompanied by performances by Raffaele Costantino, DJ, producer and radio presenter, and Kety Fusco, an original artist who hypnotised the audience with her electric harp.
Partners of the evening were Roche Bobois, Eberhard & Co., and Genova Gourmet & Bartender.
